Today we launched 4G+ in central London. The new 4G+ service means faster mobile data speeds of around 90Mbps with the possibility of reaching up to 150Mbps. But how are we reaching these crazy new speeds?
4G+ means that a 4GEE Extra user with a compatible handset such as the Samsung Galaxy Alpha can access the 4G network on both the 1.8GHz and the 2.6GHz spectrum, resulting in much faster 4G data speeds.
A lot of new technology is combined to achieve the new speeds. But the central concept is around Carrier Aggregation, meaning that a handset can receive data from multiple bands in the 4G spectrum (in our case 1800MHz and 2.6GHz), rather than just one. Qualcomm, who have led the charge with their Snapdragon processors, explain more over here for those that want to get into the science.
The new speeds will be available in several areas of central London including Shoreditch, Old Street, Soho, Westminster and Kensington. By June 2015 we aim to have full 4G+ coverage across Greater London, followed by 4G+ in the UK’s busiest cities, including Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester.
We sent our intrepid network reporter out into the capital yesterday morning to test the new capacity. And what do you know? It works!
Samsung already has 4G+ handsets available with the Samsung Galaxy Alpha and the Galaxy Note 4. And 4G+ compatibility is expected to become standard as we roll out the new network capability.
For more details on the launch of LTE-Advanced, head over to the EE Newsroom. If there are any further questions on our new top speed data, please ask below and I’ll do my best to get you an answer.
25 Comments
